Cherokee

This last weekend I headed north to Cherokee for their PRCA rodeo. Aleigh and I arrived at about the same time and got our horses all settled in then parked the trailers for the weekend. A huge thanks to Aleigh for backing my trailer in! I am praciticing, but it was taking way too long! Then we got settled into the hotel and headed to HyVee to sign autographs and meet with the community. Next I watched the Miss Cherokee Rodeo Horsemanship before getting ready for the performance. Thursday was a rainy night, with a smaller crowd. All anyone could do is hope for better weather for the weekend. Friday we attended Chamber Coffee, where I was honored to meet Bob Barnes and Tommie Turvie. Then Aleigh, Dani Jo Lange (Miss Rodeo Cherokee 2007), the queen contestants, and myself, along with Kristin Weiland (one of the Cherokee Rodeo board members) headed to the local radio station for interviews. Just before lunch we stopped by and visited one of the Cherokee nursing homes. From there we headed straight to the queens luncheon. Aleigh and I sat right across from Tommie Turvey, and had the chance to ask him about his travels and amazing training skills. I then had some free time to check out Bits and Pieces for a little shopping! Then i went to City Hall for the Miss Cherokee Rodeo interviews. It really gave me a chance to sit down and chat with the contestants, and even answer any questions they had for me. Before we knew it, it was time to crown the next Miss Cherokee Rodeo. Congrats to Jessica! For some kids entertainment there was a calf scramble, then they got the queens involved. I was chased down by one of the calves, and have the bruises to prove it! Then it was rodeo time! Friday had a little rain, but was much drier then Thursday! It was another great show put on by the Barnes family. Saturday morning we got up and helped out at the Exceptional Rodeo. The Exceptional Rodeo is a 'mini' rodeo put on for some special contestants to get a taste of the rodeo world. There was roping, bull riding, goat tying, and horse riding station. At the end each contestant won a trophy! This whole experience made it worth while. I met some very special people, Dick (aka Roy Rogers!), Bruce, Kelly, and so many more! This is something I will never forget. Aleigh and I went straight to lunch at the Depot (once we stopped and asked for directions!). It was parade time! There was such a great crowd turn out and beautiful weather! Aleigh and I found a few minutes after the parade to make a Dairy Queen Trip with our parents for a little cool down and then were headed straight back to the rodeo grounds to get ready for the final performance. Saturday was gorgeous weather, sold out crowd, and a great rodeo. Tommie Turvey was the entertainment and the Barnes had excellent stock. After the show and autograph signing we packed up and headed home! A huge thanks to the Cherokee Rodeo Board, and especially Kristin Weiland for showing us around. Another thanks to Al Landa for helping out Thursday and Friday when my parents weren't there! Everyone was so helpful and friendly, Thanks!